Anxiety Disorders Facts & Information

What are Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety is a natural reaction to stressful events or situations, for example, going on a first date, or making a speech in public. Lots of times anxiety can actually help you rise to the occasion. But when anxiety interferes with your ability to live normally, for example, when constant fears or overwhelming worries make it hard to meet personal, professional and community responsibilities, you may have an anxiety disorder—a serious but treatable mental illness.

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

While symptoms vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder a person has, common complaints include:

Panic attacks

Uncontrollable fears (phobias)

Obsessive or uncontrollable thoughts

Nightmares

Flashbacks about a traumatic experience

Trouble sleeping

Repeated ritualistic behaviors (constant hand washing, for example)

Trouble sitting still.

The physical symptoms associated with anxiety disorder may include:

cold, clammy (or sweaty) hands and feet

heart palpitations (racing heart) or a sense of skipping beats

dry mouth

shortness of breath

tingling or numbness in your hands or feet

nausea

dizziness

muscle tension.

What Causes Anxiety Disorders?

The exact cause or causes are not known, but stress is a likely contributing factor. Your environment, along with your genes, hormones, and brain chemistry are also thought to play key roles in developing anxiety disorders.

Anxiety Disorders Treatment

Anxiety disorders are often treated with medication, counseling (psychotherapy), or a combination of both. The exact course of treatment will depend on your specific problem(s) and personal needs. Medications that can help in the treatment of anxiety disorders include:

Anti-Anxiety medications

Antidepressant medications

Beta-Blockers.

You should check first with your family doctor or another qualified physician if you think you may have an anxiety disorder. He or she can determine if your problem is a true anxiety disorder or another medical problem (or both). If you are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder you should seek the care of a trained mental health professional (or professionals).

For more information about the Brattleboro Retreat’s programs & services for treating anxiety and other mental health or addiction issues, call 802-258-3700 or go to our Central Intake Department.